Are beets bad for your kidneys? It is natural to be cautious when you hear that the superfood beetroot is not all it was praised to be. Read on as we debunk the claims and set the fact straight.
Concerns about the side effects of beets have been circulating. One problem in particular question asked: is beetroot bad for your kidneys? What readers ought to keep in mind is that no vegetable is bad for you. The issue is that it might cause side effects when you overdo them or have an underlying health condition.
Are beets bad for your kidneys?
As mentioned, any side effects that beetroots have are typically felt when done in excess. Data shows that problem that arises from that is a person might get kidney stones. Beets contain vitamin A, B6 and C, phosphorus, iron, manganese, potassium, and calcium. When taken in excess, it can cause metals to accumulate in the liver. These metals include magnesium, iron, and copper.
Another reason why beets pose a threat to one’s kidneys is due to the oxalate found in them. This chemical reduces the absorption of minerals into the body because what it does is binds with them instead. When that happens, you’re at high risk of getting kidney stones if you have a history of getting kidney stones. Due to this risk, there is still much debate over what the correct quantity of beets makes the right balance. It has people asking is beet juice bad for your kidneys.
Are beets good for kidney patients?
A Queen Mary University of London research funded by Heart Research UK found that beetroot might reduce the risk of patients getting kidney failure when getting a heart x-ray. The study is specifically looking to see if the nitrate in beetroots can be given in pill form to help patients. The reason for it is because they are looking for ways to prevent kidney failure for those hospitalized.
The cause of kidney failure is due to the dye injected into one’s blood to make the vessels visible in the procedure known as coronary angiography. Once the dye maps out the blood vessels, doctors can tell what arteries in the heart are blocked or need widening. While the angiography is essential, it, unfortunately, ends up causing acute kidney injury, medically known as contrast-induced nephropathy (CIN).
It is believed that the dye reduces the nitric oxide levels in the kidney. Nitric oxide gets produced by nearly all types of cells in the body. It is essential in the body because it helps in the reducing of one’s blood pressure and increasing blood flow. When there is a shortage of it in the body, side effects include blood clots and plaque growth. A beet pill will mean shorter hospital stays and less medical bills for patients with heart disease.
In light of this, should a person have low levels of nitric oxide in their body, beet juice increases it for better flow of blood. Doctors recommend it for those advanced in the years to increase circulation to the brain. Beet juice also proves to be a worthy companion for athletes and those into physical fitness. It helps decrease one’s blood pressure and improves the flow of blood for enhanced performance. However, if you are unsure with relation to the concern are beets hard on your kidneys, you may want to hold off.
Final words
It is worth remembering that excess in something can cause potential harm. It is the case with beets. There is currently not a universal standard for what the recommended intake is, but a beet per day is preferred and less if you have any concerns. The ideal person to let you know if you ought to take beets is a physician. That is why I work closely with them to ensure that my clients are getting the right foods for their body needs.
I hope that the article has answered the question are beets bad for your kidneys for you. There is much about beets that is good for your body overall.
More questions about beets and kidneys
Do beetroots cause kidney stones?
Unless you already have a kidney stone or have had them before, then it is unlikely that you will get kidney stones.
How do I know if I have a bad kidney?
The purpose of kidneys is to clear both waste and excess fluids from your blood. There are various reasons why it would stop functioning, including high blood pressure, Type 2 diabetes, some cancers and an infection in the kidney. You can look up the symptoms of a bad kidney here.
What foods should you avoid in case of kidney disease?
The type of kidney disease determines the dietary restrictions that you will get from your doctor. You can look at this list to get an idea of what to avoid. It is however not exhaustive, and you should, therefore, listen to your physician.
What are the best ways for cleansing your kidneys naturally?
If you’re concerned about the state of your kidney and wish to take precautions, there are ways you can cleanse them using some natural remedies, and remember to include beets. However, if you keep hydrated and have a balanced diet, your kidney should be functioning just fine.
